Phoebe is so beautiful! I knew she could do it! Obviously, a very intelligent and charming dog. Her coat is so BLACK! Her energy just jumps off the page and she appears to be having a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing her photos, G'bug.

Phoebe has a pretty impressive range of skills there - and is VERY cute to boot! At the farmers' market last Saturday there was a large, shaggy black dog with a gray face and a long curly tail. It looked quite a bit like a Bouvier in need of a haircut so we asked what it was. The owner said 3/4 Bouvier and 1/4 English sheep dog. It was an interesting combination and remined both Randy and me strongly of Charlotte...

I knew you two (three??) could do it! What happy news, and I'm still smiling. :)

We have been pleasantly surprised by the reaction of the staff at the veterinary office. All have said how nice it is to have a well-trained dog in the exam room. Even with all the painful manipulations and unpleasant experiences Wrecks has endured, he's still friendly, trusting, and compliant to every request. Even when neither the helpmeet or I have been there. "You spend a lot to time with Rex, don't you?". "It's nice to see a dog that is trained in basic commands; it makes everything so much easier for all involved.". It meant a lot to hear that.

Graduation went fine...but there's a very long way to go. There will be many more classes and practice sessions. She's a teen ager and very willful.
Tonight she got to practice a few agility jumps. I'd like to do a bit of agility fun with her if I can find the money. The same teacher does this and it is a great way to bond with a dog!

Oh, the fork of the tree is a bit high for Phoebe so far, so DH gave her a boost. You have to watch that big dogs don't overdo it when they are this young. They say even a German Shepherd should be 18 months old before attempting high jumps.

Thanks friends, working with her has been fun most of the time...We still need to work on quick responses with her. Very important. Charlotte never did learn those, but Phoebe CAN do it, that I know.

So, 'bug - did you shed a tear when she "graduated", LOL? She's a doll and you've so captured her spirit. Looking forward to many more years of fun pics and stories of Ms. Phoebe and her travels & travails.

Did you say travails?
Yesterday, on the way to collect the new vehicle, she ate 2 pairs of sunglasses and the car cables. This is no doubt only the beginning of a long haul of teenage/teething behaviour. This morning it was the wastebasket contents: a pencil, papers, etc... Sigh.